Awake and feeling rested, I stretched my legs to the bottom of my bed. Keeping my eyes closed I turned over expecting to find Edward close by. Instead, I felt only the blankets. Sure that I was mistaken, I stretched my hands out further and finally opened my eyes in frustration. A quick glance to the rocking chair told me that my fear had been verified. Edward was gone.

“Edward?” I sprang up and stood in the center of my room, motionless and waiting for a reply. When only silence followed my heart dropped to the pit of my stomach and terror engulfed me. Why did he leave me?

“Calm down, Bella.” It wasn’t the voice I was expecting, but it was nice to hear.

“Alice!” I jumped in surprise and took in her happy expression. “What are you doing here? Where’s Edward?”

“At home, silly. Its bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.” She hopped onto my bed and took out a list she had made. “Everything’s in order, I just finished the final preparations last night. Now all that’s left is you.”

“He didn’t have to leave.” I was still stinging from his unannounced absence. He could have told me. Angry, I grabbed my basket of toiletries from my desk and headed to the bathroom.

“Good thinking, you shower while I get everything prepared.” Alice didn’t seem to notice my haughty manner.

Not bothering to think about what horrors I would find in my room once I returned, I continued to the bathroom. Voices from downstairs found their way to me and I stopped to listen.

“Charlie, please don’t tell me you’re wearing that old thing.”

“Its in perfectly good condition.”

Just then I saw Phil walk out of Charlie’s room completely decked out in what appeared to be a designer tux. In his pocket was a purple handkerchief.

“You might not want to go down there,” I advised, rolling my eyes.

“It’s nearly time to leave, anyway.” He checked his watch before smiling at me. “Good luck today, kid. You’ll do great.” I always knew Phil was nice, but he seemed to be genuinely wishing me luck—I needed it.

“Thanks, Phil. Good luck to you as well.” I said the last part while motioning down the stairs with my finger. He chuckled and continued downstairs, speeding up when the voices in the kitchen began to rise in decibel. Not wanting to add on any more stress, I hurriedly shut myself in the bathroom and locked the door. I set my basket of toiletries by the sink and stared at myself in the mirror. Human Bella, perfectly average, stared back at me. The pale of my skin lacked the beautiful luminosity that Edward’s possessed. My hair fell limply in dark pools at my shoulders. I tried to take in my appearance as much as possible. I also took many deep breaths, feeling the air go in and out of my lungs.

I exhaled and tried to make a mental note of what it felt like to rely on oxygen to live. I also made a mental note to eat as much as possible today, I wasn’t sure what the calories would do to me later but I figured I mine as well take advantage of my unique situation. I turned the water on hot and stepped into the shower. Did vampires even bathe? I’d have to remember to ask. As the hot water beat down on me I realized there was still a lot I didn’t know about the new life I was entering into. Would vampire Bella remember what the warmth of her skin felt like? Or the luxurious taste of chocolate cake?

Ignoring my terror, I shampooed and finally got out of the shower. I put my pajamas back on, deciding it was useless to get into actual clothes. I brushed my hair slowly and took in the strawberry scent of my shampoo. I then blew out my hair, something I practically never did, and took one last glance into the mirror before leaving the bathroom.

Once I got to my room I was shocked to find my mother and Alice in deep conversation. My mother, already dressed, was complimenting Alice on the lovely perfume she was wearing. I smiled to Alice; we both knew Alice was not wearing perfume.

But as soon as my eyes left the two of them, I realized my room had been made into a makeshift beauty salon. My computer was pushed to the far corner of my desk and in its place were a large variety of tools and gadgets that looked more like torture devices. I grimaced, wondering what Alice had in store for me.

“Bella! I’m so excited for you. Come here, we need to get to work.”

“Shouldn’t you two be at the rehearsal?” I said a bit more bitterly than intended.

“Nope.” Alice seemed quite pleased by this fact. “I’ve filled your mother in on the events of the wedding so she won’t be lost. Everything’s all taken care of, Bella. Don’t worry so much. Now come sit down!” Her enthusiasm was overpowering so I didn’t object.

“Sorry I’m late.” The singsong tone was hard to miss, as was the look on Alice’s face. She quickly smoothed it over. “Emmet was having a little trouble, he’s just found out that Carlisle’s best man.”

“Hi, Rosalie!” I tried to sound cheerful, but ended up sounding more shocked than anything else. Rosalie and I had never particularly gotten along; she thoroughly disagreed with my decision to become a vampire. And now with her present, I couldn’t help but feel like a complete mess. She was dressed in a skin-tight number that ended at her knees. It was lilac colored and low-cut, and the back swooped gracefully down her spine revealing more skin then I expected. What was more was that she pulled it off. My confidence took an immediate dive and I wished I’d opted for the Vegas wedding where I could have said ‘I do’ in my t-shirt and jeans. I looked down at my less than shapely figure. A sigh escaped and Alice shot Rosalie another look, though I thought I saw the ends of Rosalie’s mouth go up a fraction.

“I thought we’d start with the hair, it will take the longest.” Alice took out what appeared to be a thick metal tube with all kinds of dials and switches on it. I grimaced again, but decided I would be good for Alice. She was doing so much for the wedding, and I didn’t want to spoil her fun.

“Oh come on, Bella. You’ll love it when its finished,” my Mom said cheerily. It was two vampires and one opinionated mother against one, so I figured my chances were slim.

“Okay.”

“I remember my wedding with Phil. It was just perfect, we had it on the beach as the sun was setting.” Alice began to twirl the silver instrument into my hair. “Phil was dressed in an all white, light-weight tux with a black bow tie. I wore a simple white number that tapered towards the end. The layers of chef faun blew in the sea breeze and I just remember thinking how perfect it was. I hope its that perfect for you, Bella.”

“Me, too,” I agreed. As Alice twirled my hair into the curling iron my mother sprayed with enough hairspray to last a lifetime. Rosalie had brought various make-up contents and was just finishing lying them all out. My stomach growled and I just realized that I hadn’t eaten yet this morning. Alice again looked to Rosalie. I thought I heard a feint growl before she left. She came back with a breakfast bar and a glass of milk. I hated having people wait on me.

“Thanks,” I said more awkwardly than intended. Rosalie glided off to the corner where she sat down on the rocking chair, looking more like a runway model than I could have imagined. “Alice, I can get my own food, you know.”

“Not today, you can’t. Everything has to be just perfect for Mrs. Isabella Cullen!” I choked on a piece of granola. Isabella Cullen? Everything was happening so fast. Hearing the name made it seem real, somehow legitimizing the fact that not only would I no longer be human Bella but I also would no longer be Isabella Swan. All ties to this life I so frequently took for granted would be gone. I shivered and Alice took her hand off of my shoulder where it was resting, but I was shivering for a different reason.

I had to attempt to calm my nerves before someone noticed. This was ridiculous, the moment I had been waiting for was finally here and I couldn’t be happy about it. I tried to think about the positive, about spending forever with Edward, and that lessened the terror. But it still remained in the pit of my stomach.

“Don’t worry, Bella, everyone gets cold feet. Its normal.” My mom must have caught the flashes of terror that were so frequently washing across my face. She was always so perceptive, something I got from her.

“I know,” I managed, but my throat was thick and I was starting to feel more than overwhelmed. I needed Edward. “Alice? Do you think we could maybe break the whole ‘groom can’t see the bride’ rule?” Her face looked worried and I wondered what she saw.

“Actually, I was thinking about seeing him soon.” Her voice trailed off before she came to and looked encouragingly at me. “Did you want me to tell him something for you?” I frowned.

“No, just wanted to see him.” I was saddened by the thought, but also worried about Alice. It looked as though she saw something and was attempting to keep it from me. But she was going to tell Edward, and if Edward could know so couldn’t I. I was staring at her face, trying to decipher her expression, but I couldn’t really tell. She was so good at hiding it. Alice’s lips moved so fast it barely looked as though they were moving. No sound was audible to my ears.

“Oh. I’ve forgotten something at the house. I’ll see you at the wedding.” Rosalie got up and walked towards my bedroom door. Before leaving she turned around and flashed a perfect smile. “Pleasure meeting you, Renee.” She glided out of the room without a sound, shutting the door noiselessly behind her.

“Was that your sister, Alice?” my mother asked hesitantly.

“Yes.” Alice paused. “She’s a little uptight about the wedding, but she’ll come around.” Alice dutifully informed her friend and my mother.

“She was gorgeous,” my mother gawked.

“Rosalie really doesn’t know how to tone it down for a wedding. I tried to explain to her that today was Bella’s day, but she’s a bit stubborn when it comes to these things.”

My mother nodded knowingly and stepped towards the make-up. While Alice and my mother discussed make-up possibilities I planned to get Alice alone before the wedding. The terror I was feeling a moment ago had left me and was replaced with intense curiosity. Alice was keeping something from me and I needed to know. I allowed my mind to go blank while they applied whatever they liked to my face, listening only for directions like, “Close your eye, Bella”.

Once they were finished they shoved a hand-held mirror my way and beamed down at me. I took the mirror and when I saw my reflection my jaw fell open. I never considered myself to be anything resembling attractive, but I thought this came pretty close. My eyelashes were longer than I had ever seen them and my eyelids had the perfect smokey effect that I could never have achieved on my own. My lips were the perfect shade of red and I noticed the sudden presence of my cheekbones.

“Wow. Thank you, both so much.” I handed the mirror back and felt my eyes start to sing.

“Oh no you don’t, then you’ll get me going!” my mom dabbed at her eyes. “This isn’t supposed to happen until the actual weeding. You’re just so beautiful, Bella.” Alice handed us both a tissue and I dabbed at my eyes as the tears flowed. My mother attempted to compose herself.

“Sorry, Alice. Did I just ruin all your hard work?” I sniffled.

“I plan ahead, remember?” She pointed to her head and smiled deviously. I looked at her confused before she added, “Waterproof mascara, Bella. You have heard of it, right?” She looked doubtful for a second but then laughed melodically. “I really should have taken you shopping more often.” Just then I remembered something. I ran my thumb over my left ring finger and felt only my flesh.

“Alice? I’m not wearing my ring!” My mind raced as I attempted to trace back my steps to figure out where I may have left it. I hadn’t taken it off at all yesterday and I couldn’t imagine where it got to.

“Oh, sorry. I meant to tell you that Edward has it. How’s he supposed to place it on your finger if it’s already there?” I felt slightly idiotic, it was so obvious and Alice had quite clearly taken care of everything. “Which reminds me, I have something for you.” From her pocket she pulled a perfect band of gold. Smooth, hard, cold, and perfect—just like Edward.

“You truly have thought of everything, Alice.” In all my worrying and eagerness I had forgotten the more obvious things. I was again thankful for Alice and her willingness to plan my wedding, even if it was much bigger than I would have liked.

“Edward wanted a traditional wedding, so I thought rings would be nice,” Alice teased, but I nodded in agreement. I started to imagine standing at the alter with Edward beside me. He was beautiful in my imagination, though I knew it didn’t do him justice. “I’m surprised, you haven’t even asked me about your dress.”

“My dress?” I again felt a pang of idiocy; of course the bride would need a dress.

“Oh, yes! Let’s see the dress, Alice!” My mother said this as enthusiastically as I thought I should have felt. In response Alice glided over to my closet and opened it with her hand out, Vanna White-style. There on the hanger was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. It was by far the brightest thing in my closet and the white stuck out gorgeously. Considering what Alice could have picked out, I was surprised. It was simple in all the right ways. The bodice was intricately beaded so that when you were far away it looked as though it was glimmering. The neckline was tastefully low and came to a curved upside down peek. It had thin straps on either side covered with transparent, fluttering sleeves. The bottom of the dress was narrow, falling away ever so slightly.

My mother gasped and I stared in awe. It was simple, and I was again grateful that Alice seemed to have shopped with me in mind. Maybe the wedding wouldn’t be so bad after all, though I would never admit it to Edward.

“Well, try it on!” Alice encouraged. I knew I didn’t have a choice, and it was getting late, anyhow. They helped me into the dress and it fit like a glove. I wondered how Alice got the measurements so perfect. It hugged my curves and fell away at all the right places. The fabric at the bottom of the dress floated around my feet as I walked, and I was quite glad for the absence of a train. I would have tripped for sure, and the last thing I needed was to wipe out while walking down the aisle on my wedding day.

“I love it, Alice.” I said, my voice soft and meaningful. She held up a pair of heels and smiled encouragingly.

“You are not getting me to wear those! I’ll break my neck!” My mother stayed quiet in what I thought was agreement, or maybe she was still attempting to stop crying.

“No you won’t, Bella. Just trust me. Plus, I promised Edward you’d wear them.” I glared at her but took the shoes all the same. If he wanted me to wear them I would, at least I would have someone beside myself to blame when I fell.

            I slid my foot into the delicate bands stretched across the shoe and tied the ribbons around my ankle to fasten them. They were beautiful, and surprisingly comfortable. I hobbled across the room more successfully than I would have thought possible.

            “There, that’s not so bad.” Alice beamed, and she looked as though if it were possible she may have shed a tear. I shed one for her and smiled back.

            “Oh! Look at the time, we better get going, you two!” My mother scooped up her purse and took me by the hand. “You ready?”

            “Yes.” And surprisingly, I was.